The mission of Code 7 is pretty straightforward: support law enforcement and bring hope into their workplace. The application of that mission has never been more difficult.

I get to spend time with the men and women that protect our families, patrol our streets, and respond to emergencies every day. I am humbled to be called their friend and honored to be part of their support system.

CLIMATE CHANGE:

The media-led discontentment and hostility toward police officers is changing the climate of our nation. The officers and their families face the strictest public scrutiny imaginable, and are met with emotion and subjective conclusions to incidents long before the facts are revealed. With all the targeted shootings of police officers, many of my friends are hurting.

Here is a post I read on Facebook last week from a police couple. It sums up the sentiments of the stress and anxiety they endure pretty well.

Wife and cop:

“This world!!! I woke this morning at 0445 hours, started his coffee and kissed him goodbye. He’s going to work, to help and protect people. Was that the last kiss and the last conversation we will share? Now I wait, for the next 12.5 hours…I wait for a phone call, a Facetime, a text. Just to know that he’s okay, to hear his voice, for him to tell me about his crazy or boring day! I then repeat this for three days, the stress/anxiety! And then it’s his turn, when I go to work for four days. These shootings have to stop!

Please join me in praying for the burdens our law enforcement carry while caring for others.

CAR SEATS:

I received a text from a police sergeant with an unusual request. He said he needed new car seats to transport children. He said the seats at the police station were so old and filthy that he never wanted to use them again. He asked if Code 7 would be willing to help in some way. I immediately replied “Absolutely!” As unique of a request as this was, I know supporting law enforcement takes on a variety of forms and that acts of service of this nature are huge stress relievers to them. I assured the sergeant I would replace the three car seats and add three lap booster seats before the end of the day.

When mentioning the unusual project to a pastor friend of mine, the immediate reply was, “Our church totally wants to buy those for the police.” So there you go, I said yes, and God supplied directly through a Code 7 community partner, and we were able to meet the immediate need.

The results were a blessing not only of the cops, but also the kids experiencing some type of misfortune requiring police contact and transportation.

I’m thankful to have such a generous group of sponsors willing to jump in and offer support. It’s fun to find us in the mix of bringing extra comfort, care, and first-class seats to the children.

NCPD PINK PATCHES:

In support of breast cancer awareness in October, National City PD authorized the wearing of pink uniform patches, and they look super classy! I love the temporary addition to the authorized uniform.

PEER SUPPORT LIBRARY:

I recently read a great book entitled Spiritual Survival for Law Enforcement from the shelves of the peer support library at Chula Vista Police Department established in October. The book is a must read to understand how exposure to the filth our cops plod through every day and the toll it takes on their spiritual lives. The book contains practical insight to becoming and staying strong in the midst of the constant darkness.

The library had been in the idea stage for over a year when an officer asked me if Code 7 was willing to get involved. We shared the idea with EastLake Church, one of our ministry sponsors and ultimately received full funding for the project.

The new bookshelf was custom built by my friend Perry, a Code 7 sponsor. The initial inventory includes 175 books with 75 different titles. Topics comprise of resources on family/relationships, personal development, law enforcement, leadership, and health and fitness. These resources are available to the officers anytime.

TRAINING SEASON:

September and October are popular training months, and I was not disappointed with the exposure to training and networking. I was able to travel to Ventura with a long time friend and new police chaplain enjoying terrific conversation and mutual encouragement during our three-day conference. We will be better police supporters for investing the time at the conference.

I also attended the first ever Public Safety Peer Support Association (PSPSA) conference held in San Diego. Being local made this opportunity very appealing. All the speakers were outstanding. Both main speakers are authors, and one of them wrote the book Emotional Survival for Law Enforcement, a phenomenal inside look to the chemical and social effects the stresses of their work produce in our police and the impact it potentially has on their families. Pictured above are a few of the NCPD Peer Support Members.

NEW OFFICER ORIENTATION:

I was approved to spend time with new officers when they graduate the academy and orient them to the chaplain and peer support systems at the police department. I have been interested in this for a couple of years, and it’s finally happening. I was able to introduce myself, the chaplain program, Code 7 support benefits, and begin relationships with five new officers so far.

These are the people planning to make a career in law enforcement and are excited to get started. In order to be effective, self care and a balanced perspective of faith and worldview will greatly impact them the first two years in law enforcement. My prayer is that our initial time together followed by growing relationships will prove to be a valuable asset to these great new officers.

CITIZEN’S ADVERSITY SUPPORT TEAM (CAST):

CAST is another aspect of caring for cops and others. It’s the crisis team responding to critical incidents throughout our city–deaths, major car crashes, house fires, and traumatic incidents. Here is part of our team at a recent gathering.

We respond at the request of Chula Vista Police and Fire to aid victims on what is often the worst day of their lives. Thorough and quality training is offered annually. If you are interested in receiving more information about the training, which begins in January, please let me know. I would be glad to talk with you. Applications are now being accepted.

IN CONCLUSION, LET ME SAY:

Thank you for your support of Code 7. Your generosity is an encouragement to me and frees me to live out what I believe is my purpose for this season of my life and helps bring hope and love into the workplace of our law enforcement. Thank YOU!

If we live, it’s to honor the Lord. And if we die, it’s to honor the Lord. So whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord. Romans 14:8

About The Author

Wes Anderson has more than 20 years of full-time pastoral ministry experience. He has been serving as volunteer Chaplain to the Chula Vista Police Department since 2008 and with the Citizens’ Adversity Support Team responding to crisis and trauma since 2006.

CODE 7 is an overflow of his heart’s desire to provide consistent encouragement and support to the needs of law enforcement personnel throughout their career.